Celtic defeated Rangers in a penalty shootout in the Scottish Cup quarter-final. The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes, according to multiple reports. Fans from both teams stormed the pitch after the match, creating chaotic scenes.
The contest was a controversial affair, with both teams having goals disallowed during the match, multiple reports indicate. In the shootout, James Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama missed penalties for Rangers, according to multiple reports, which proved decisive in Celtic's victory. Violent scenes erupted post-match as police and stewards intervened to hold back fans on the pitch, multiple reports indicate.
I think as we were making our way back, I think there was some sort of fracas somebody tried to get on the field. I don't know, all I saw was there was a bit of a scrum down at the bottom.
Celtic striker Tomas Cvancara ended up with his shirt soaked in blood, though the specific actions that led to this are unclear. The extent of any injuries sustained by players, staff, or fans during the chaos has not been confirmed. The SFA condemned the behavior and launched an investigation into the incidents.
What disciplinary measures or sanctions might be imposed following the investigation remains unknown. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill believes the post-match scenes should not overshadow the victory, emphasizing the team's achievement. Celtic faced significant challenges heading into the match.
Maybe it does taint proceedings, but I think there's an element of self-protection in that one. So if that's the case, please, I'm making judgments here on things that I only half saw. But from my viewpoint, it was a great, great win for us.
The team was without captain Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney, multiple reports indicate. They had also played four away games in ten days, including traveling to Aberdeen, according to multiple reports, adding to their fatigue. In a notable development, Celtic fans were given the full Broomloan Stand at Ibrox Stadium for the first time since 2018, multiple reports indicate.
Whether the incident will affect future allocations of away fans for Old Firm matches is uncertain. On the pitch, Benjamin Nygren has scored 15 goals and provided 4 assists in league play this season, according to official sources. There are rumors about Nygren moving to the Premier League, official sources indicate, though no official transfer has been confirmed.
I don't know whether it (the animosity) has grown. It hasn't lessened. Anyway, let me put it this way. And if any of us ever come down to this earth in 500 years, it will be exactly the same. Exactly the same.
It was a big derby game. I think there was a lot of jubilation at us winning. Obviously, the fans spilled over. I suppose it's very difficult to quell that if that's the case, I don't know. The security men, in fairness to them, were wanting to get people off. But there is a natural euphoria about winning a game and about fans joining in. If this has gone too far, that would be disappointing.